Breakfast Rotary Club wades into greenway overlook project
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Its members are taking on a large project at the Barren Fork Greenway that will take until next year to complete. According to club member Joe Anish, Breakfast Rotary volunteers plan to build an 1,800-square foot overlook area near the Barren Fork River’s dam that will cost between $7,000 and $10,000 using volunteer labor.
Much like the replacement of the historic fountain downtown being facilitated by Noon Rotary, the project is being done in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rotary International.
In conjunction with that anniversary, local clubs are asked to come up with major community projects. With that in mind, volunteers started working on the club’s project at the greenway about three months ago, Anish said.
They are planning to build retainer walls and a poured concrete slab, create handicapped access to the greenway, add built-in concrete benches as well as wrought-iron benches and railings, add antique decorative lighting, create a planter area, as well as preserve or improve what is already there.
“We’re doing this pretty much all hands on from Rotary members,” Anish said. Project engineering was done by Keith Bouldin and Anish, who also said they do not plan to disturb the historical look of the old powerhouse and some of the concrete footings at that site.
Anish, who chairs the club’s community development committee, said volunteers chose the overlook project after becoming familiar with the greenway for another volunteer project where members planted 200 trees along the greenway. Club members felt the overlook project was one they could handle.
When the overlook is finished, plans are also to help restore the old powerhouse aesthetically and for safety.
The idea to include an overlook area at the dam was part of the original master plan for the greenway, but was cut out after officials learned it would be cost prohibitive considering the total amount of the project.
McMinnville Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown said she is appreciative of the group’s efforts.
“It’s such a wonderful project that is going to serve this community for so many years. Not only did they decide to improve that area, but as they’ve started on it and put their ideas together, they’re really making it extensive,” she said.
Although club members are donating their own labor that will significantly reduce costs, they are accepting donations from the community and have posted a sign at the site about the project. Donations are being accepted via mail at McMinnville Breakfast Rotary Club, P.O. Box 606, McMinnville, Tenn., 37111.